2014 World Superbike Testing Schedule - Preseason Kicks Off in Portugal and Spain

The long wait for motorcycle racing fans is over. The winter test ban for the World Superbike ends today, and a number of teams will take to the track in Spain and Portugal over the next four days, weather permitting.

The World Superbike paddock is split between Portimao in Portugal and Almeria in southern Spain for the next few days, with Aprilia, Pata Honda and Ducati heading to Portimao, while Kawasaki and Voltcom Suzuki start at Almeria. Suzuki will pack up after two days at Almeria and join Aprilia, Honda and Ducati at Portimao until the 20th of January. The Yakhnich MV Agusta team will also be testing at Portimao, as will the World Supersport teams of PTR Honda and Mahi Kawasaki.

Kawasaki and Honda will be back in southern Spain in early February, with the factory Kawasaki team being joined by the Pedercini squad and Pata Honda for two days at Jerez. Everyone then packs up and heads much further south, to Australia, for the season opener at Phillip Island on 23rd February.

Below is the preseason testing schedule for the World Superbike, World Supersport and Superstock teams for the next few weeks:

I'm under the impression (from what Google relayed to me) that he has helped with RSV4 development in the past so perhaps he's in as a test/development rider rather than getting a ride. But, who knows, that would be very interesting news.

Alex Hofmann is the development rider and if memory serves me right I think he has been right from the the very beginning of the RSV4 project. If you follow him on twitter @Alex_66 he lets everyone know where the team are going and how testing is working out. Of course no team secrets.